Arlington Updates its Profanity Law: No more #$@&%*!

Posted on Jun 17, 2015

Ever wonder what this sign means? Well, if you live in Arlington County you may soon find out to the tune of a criminal conviction for a Class 4 misdemeanor. Arlington County Board recently updated its Public Profanity and Intoxication law, so in addition to not being able to curse in public, you may also not appear either drunk or under the influnce of drugs.

Arlington County Police arrested around 664 residents for appearing drunk or using profanity in public. The measure attempts to bring the law under similar state code language, however this now leaves citizens open to a County ordinance that not just restricts your speech in public, but monitors your behavior as well. If you've been charged with this, please remember pre-paying the ticket is the same as a judge finding you guilty and you will have that criminal conviction on your record.

Fairfax Attorney Paul Liam McGlone is a LIFE MEMBER of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. When interviewing lawyers, always remember to ask about their NACDL membership status. Non-members are likely to be general practice lawyers who take criminal cases as a part of their overall practice.